Pilot study of avocado supplementation in an L-NAME rat model of hypertension and systemic injury

Background: Endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and multi-organ injury are major contributors to cardiovascular disease. Avocado (Persea americana) is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants, but its protective effects against hypertension-induced systemic injury remain incompletely understood. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of avocado pulp supplementation on L-NAME-induced hypertension and multi-organ injury in a rat model of nitric oxide synthase inhibition, and to provide proof-of-concept evidence supporting its potential role in cardiovascular and metabolic disease prevention. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 4/group) were randomized into six groups: control, avocado, L-NAME, L-NAME+losartan+metoprolol succinate, L-NAME+avocado, and L-NAME+metoprolol succinate+avocado. Randomization used sealed opaque envelopes, and outcome assessment was blinded. Avocado pulp was incorporated into the diet at 80% (w/w). Outcomes included blood pressure, hematological parameters, liver enzymes, renal function, and systolic-diastolic blood pressure correlations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc tests. Results: L-NAME significantly increased systolic (+18 mmHg), diastolic (+20 mmHg), and mean arterial pressure (+17 mmHg) compared with controls (all p < 0.01). Avocado supplementation reduced these elevations by approximately 15–18 mmHg, restoring values near baseline. L-NAME also increased platelet counts (p = 0.031), elevated ALT (p = 0.044), and significantly increased urea (+25 mg/dL) and creatinine (+0.8 mg/dL; p < 0.01). Avocado supplementation attenuated these changes, reducing renal markers by 20–30% and maintaining liver enzyme levels near control values. Electrolytes remained unchanged. Correlation analysis showed pathological systolic-diastolic coupling in L-NAME rats (r = 0.78), which was abolished with avocado supplementation (r = 0.00). Conclusion: This pilot proof-of-concept study demonstrates that avocado pulp supplementation attenuated L-NAME-induced hypertension and improved renal, hepatic, and hematological indices in rats. These findings provide biological plausibility for avocado as a dietary strategy to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risk and support further investigation in larger, adequately powered preclinical and clinical studies.